“You cannot go back, and escape with your life! It is a devils’ nest! The vipers of Paris are there. They plot, and rob, and slay. Among them is an enemy who has followed you across the ocean. He has paid them to destroy you. Keep away from the nest of vipers. Even though you saw your friend go in there, did you not see him come out?”
“Who are you?” cried Frank, amazed. “How is it you know so much? How is it you are always near when I am in peril?”
“There is a tie that binds us.”
“What tie?”
“Fate.”
“I do not understand this mystery.”
“It is not for you to understand now. The time may come when the scales will fall from your eyes, and you shall know all.”
The man seemed ready to turn away, but Frank put out a hand appealingly.
“Can’t you tell me more?” he pleaded. “I thought you had perished in the fire in London.”
“Fire cannot destroy me. My time has not come.”